Shippers surprised by China's decision to block P3

A poll of American Shipper readers found most of them expressing some degree of surprise at last week's decision by China's Ministry of Commerce to block plans by Maersk, MSC and CMA CGM to form the P3 Network.
Only about a third of those taking the poll thought the decision was a good one, and 40 percent disapproved, with the remainder uncertain.
A similar percentage, about a third, thought the U.S. Federal Maritime Commission's should also have blocked the P3, but nearly half thought its decision back in March not to try and prevent the vessel-sharing agreement was correct.

Source: Research by American Shipper.

After China's announcement last week, the three carriers said they will not press on with their plan to form the joint vessel-sharing alliance on the transpacific, transatlantic and Asia-Europe trade. However, the three carriers do cooperate on some of those routes under existing VSAs.
Shippers and logistic service providers had modest expectations for the P3 — less than half had expected broader port coverage, better service or better rates. A majority of readers from ocean carriers, however, had thought the alliance would have resulted in better port coverage and service for the three carriers.

Source: Research by American Shipper.

Few shippers say China's decision will change their decision on whether to use Maersk, MSC or CMA CGM members to move freight.
More than 160 readers participated in the survey, which was sent out by email. Sixty seven of the readers taking the poll were classified as from the 3PL, NVO or forwarding companies; 59 of the respondents identified themselves as shippers, either manufacturers or retailers; and 39 of the responding readers were from the carrier community.